X-53: Dirt Machine

Man, you folks have some GREAT builds going! I lost my camera, but found it, and have so many other projects (+ work) that I was thinking about skipping this build, but after seeing all your cool builds, I feel inspired to play.

I got thsi frame a a yard sale about 2 years ago, it has hung on the wall in my shop. I was saving it for my wife but she said "what do I need a bike for" - so off the wall & on the floor with it :mrgreen:

From searching, I think it's a 1953 Western Flyer X-53. Frame is super solid, small bend on one of the top tubes, but no holes or breaks anywhere. At this point I have no clue WHAT it'll be yet... need to start hunting parts. I used the forks for the crodhopper in last build, so need to find other forks, or take them back.

Not sure if I'll finish, but maybe by starting this thread it'll get me going. Cheers!

I do have the forks on the RRBBO #2 bike I did, I might put the frame & the right forks back together, but not sure yet. What do you guys think? I wanted some stronger springer forks for crodhopper any ways.... just not sure...

You can see the forks that go to this frame the crodhopper build thread. THANKS.

Did some work yesterday evening - started cleaning up & sanding frame a little, found a giant globby weld under the back rack thing - it was nasty. Grinded it off, and straightened the one bent bar...

THE GLOB:

Now for the forks...

I still may use the original forks, but I am worried the FAT tires I have won't fit, they might, and I might still use them, BUT I wanted to try to make something a little different, and a little wider. They springs are placed on the forks where they are so they do not hit the tire, or the spokes. Fun stuff..

OK, some progress... - been putting on parts, taking off parts, you know how it is... anyways, I think I settled on a few parts... so far - decided not to use the back part of the frame that bolts on - doing something different :mrgreen: - Cheers, T.